Wendy's pale eyes instantly reddened. She had always known that Stanley knew exactly how to humiliate a person.If he wanted to shame someone, he would do it in the most cruel, humiliating way possible.She hadn't asked Halsey to call him.Even if she had, so what?He was the one who hadn't used any protection!"I understand," Wendy said, her voice thick with emotion. "Don't worry, Mr. Hawk. I won't call you again. You can leave now."She forced herself to lift her gaze, trying to stop the tears from spilling. She didn't want to cry in front of him.Stanley noticed the redness around her eyes, and an unexpected sense of satisfaction surged through him. It felt almost like revenge, like a deep, bitter kind of justice. He knew he hated her. He hated that she didn't show up that night.He had deliberately called Zayn, knowing that he would go looking for her.But she never came.He hated even more that she had called him when she passed out.She got allergic to morning-after
Wendy lay on her side, her back turned to him, while Stanley sat on the edge of the bed. They looked like a married couple in the middle of a bitter argument.Stanley clenched his fists, then, after a long pause, he finally spat out a single word. "Sure."He stood up and walked out.He left.Tears that Wendy had been holding back slipped down her face uncontrollably. She grabbed the blanket and pulled it over her tear-streaked face. It wasn't a big deal. It was just a bad night. If he didn't have feelings for her, she would just pretend it had been a bad dream.Still, her heart ached. It hurt so much.Wendy knew deep down, she was still in love with Stanley.So deeply in love.-Since that day, Wendy and Stanley hadn't spoken again. The focus of the media during this time, however, was all on Luna.Luna had suddenly joined one of the most talked-about variety shows, and her popularity skyrocketed due to her pure and sweet image. She became known for her innocent persona and
Luna immediately stopped in her tracks. "Wendy, Halsey, what a coincidence! You're both here, too."Wendy and Halsey took a step closer to Luna, but her bodyguards in black blocked their way."Stop right there!" one of the bodyguards ordered.Luna waved her hand dismissively, smiling. "It's fine. They're my classmates."The bodyguards stepped aside, and Wendy and Halsey finally made their way to Luna."Luna, I can't believe you've become a star!" Halsey exclaimed, looking at her in surprise.Luna raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I got myself a boyfriend. He's the one who helped me become a big star.""A boyfriend? Luna, you're dating someone? I've never heard about this boyfriend before," Halsey replied, clearly surprised.Luna flashed a sweet smile. "My boyfriend is handsome and rich, and he spoils me. He loves me a lot."With that, Luna took a step forward and grabbed Wendy's hand. "Wendy, things are going so well for me now. You must be happy for me, right? You must wish me and my
Cecelia had been taken to the police station?Wendy's face turned pale as she hung up the phone. She turned to Halsey. "Halsey, I need to go to the police station!""I'll go with you," Halsey replied, already following her.-At the police station, Wendy and Halsey found Cecelia locked in a holding cell. Wendy grasped Cecelia's cold hands. "Cecelia, what happened? Why are you here?"Cecelia's face was pale, and she looked utterly confused. "Wendy, this is all connected to that celebrity, Luna Fisher."Cecelia explained what had happened. "Luna went to Ella Magazine for a photoshoot. They needed her to do a stunt with a wire, but someone had cut the wire in advance. Luna fell, and she pointed at me, saying she saw me cut the wire. The police arrested me right away. Please, Wendy, you have to believe me! I didn't do it! I didn't cut the wire. I have no reason to harm her!" Cecelia's voice was frantic. Luna had falsely accused her, making it look like she had tried to kill her.
Wendy had already tested the water's temperature. It was lukewarm, not hot at all.Her sharp, clear eyes locked onto Luna's face. "You intentionally framed Cecelia. It wasn't about her at all, was it? It's me you've got an issue with."Luna shrugged nonchalantly, a sly smile spreading across her lips. "Yeah, it is."Halsey was fuming. "Luna, have you lost your mind? Wendy has always considered you a friend. Don't you remember who rushed to save you when Mr. Silva took you away from Gold Vista Hotel? Now that you're a big star, you've forgotten all about that and turned your back on everyone? You're just repaying kindness with malice! What happened to your conscience?"Luna didn't show the slightest bit of guilt. Instead, she coldly chuckled. "Finally, you're saying what's really on your mind. You're just jealous of me. You're jealous because I found a rich boyfriend. You're jealous because I became a big star!"Jealous?Halsey was speechless. "If you're so proud, why don't you ju
Wendy withdrew her gaze and shook her head. "Halsey, I'm fine." She pulled out her phone and dialed the Hawk family's estate. Glinda's voice came through, full of cheer. "Wendy, you finally decided to call! I've missed you so much!" Wendy looked out the window at the sleek, business-class car approaching. "Grandma, I don't have class tonight. I can come back to the family estate for dinner." "That's wonderful! Stanley's coming back tonight too. I'll be waiting for you." "Okay." After ending the call, Wendy turned to Halsey and said, "Halsey, I need to go back to the Hawks.""Alright. Go have dinner with Mrs. Glinda," Halsey replied. Wendy met his gaze. "No, I'm going to find out who's backing Luna." "What?" Halsey blinked, clearly taken aback. -The long Rolls-Royce glided steadily down the road. Zayn drove up front while Luna sat in the back, glancing at the man beside her. Stanley wore a tailored black suit, a handkerchief tucked into his pocket. He
Stanley glanced at Luna beside him. "Get out."He ordered her to leave the car.And just like that, he dropped her off in the middle of the road.Luna got out, and the business car sped off with a whoosh, leaving her surrounded by exhaust fumes.Luna clenched her fists and stomped her foot in frustration....Wendy had already arrived at the Hawk family's estate, sitting on the living room sofa and chatting with Glinda.Not long after, the large estate doors opened. A chill breeze followed a tall, dignified figure inside—Stanley had returned.The housekeeper greeted him respectfully. "Mr. Hawk."Stanley took off his shoes at the entrance and strode into the living room, his long legs carrying him effortlessly. When he saw Wendy, their eyes met.It had been a while since they last saw each other, not since that day in the school infirmary. Wendy had lost some weight and appeared more delicate. Her once-perfectly round face now had a sharper, cooler air about it.She was still
Stanley's face turned cold in an instant. He had never forgotten about her taking the morning-after pill for Nathan. The lack of contact between them these past few weeks was his way of slowly distancing himself. But today, she came back to the family estate for dinner. He thought she was softening, maybe even trying to make amends. And yet, what was she saying?She said she wanted a divorce, and that she couldn't wait another day.Did she think he had the patience to deal with her?Stanley's eyes sharpened, cold as knives, as he grabbed her slender arm. "Wendy, you came back tonight just to make me miserable, didn't you?"Wendy immediately jerked away from his grip. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands!"What did she say?She tilted her face up, meeting his dark, threatening gaze, her voice cold and steady as she enunciated, "Stanley, you are absolutely disgusting."Disgusting in a way she couldn't stand anymore.Stanley's temples pulsed with veins. His grip tightened ar
Scarface gave Stanley the address and abruptly hung up the phone.Lilian immediately spoke up, "Mr. Hawk, you have to save Jessica1 Her heart isn't strong; she can't handle the stress!"Samuel glanced at Stanley, concern etched on his face. "Wendy's in their hands too. You have to bring her back."Stanley didn't respond, his expression hardening as he turned and walked out without another word.-Inside the warehouse, Scarface looked at Wendy and Jessica with a smug smile. "Tsk, tsk," he murmured. "You can question the character of the rich, but you can't question their taste. Mr. Hawk's ex-wife and girlfriend—you're both beauties. It's enough to make anyone jealous."One of the men in black chuckled, "Boss, we still have time. Why don't you have a little fun with them?"Scarface rolled up his sleeves and moved toward Wendy, grabbing her delicate chin. "Why don't I start with the ex-wife? I'll see what a woman Mr. Hawk's been with is like."With that, Scarface reached for Wend
Stanley pressed the button to answer the call, and a gruff male voice came through. "Hello, Mr. Hawk."Stanley's expression remained unchanged as he gripped the phone. "Who are you?""You don't need to know who I am. All you need to know is that the one you're looking for is in my hands," the voice replied.Lilian, panic in her voice, spoke up, "He's the one who took Jessica! Mr. Hawk, you have to save her!"Stanley's tone was cold as he asked, "Is Jessica with you?""That's right," the voice said. "Now, let me have her say a few words to you."Moments later, Jessica's frantic voice came through the phone. "Stanley, help me! Please, I'm so scared!"Stanley's lips twisted into a sharp, emotionless line. "What do you want?""I want money," the voice responded harshly. "Prepare 100 million, and I want it now."Stanley let out a humorless laugh. "You kidnapped someone, and you're trying to extort 100 million from me? That's enough to put you in prison for the rest of your life."
With that, Jessica turned and walked away.Before she left, she cast a quick glance at Lilian, and the two exchanged a silent, knowing look.Stanley and Samuel stood together, and Samuel glanced at his watch. "Mr. Hawk, Dr. Ceylan will be making her appearance soon."Stanley turned to Samuel. "How do you know Dr. Ceylan?"Samuel didn't answer directly. Instead, he said, "You know her too."Stanley's brow furrowed. Wendy had said the same thing to him before—that he knew Dr. Ceylan. Now, Samuel was saying the same thing. What was going on here?What did Samuel and Wendy mean by this?Could it be that Dr. Ceylan was someone Stanley knew after all? Had Dr. Ceylan always been right under his nose?Just then, the host spoke up. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Let's welcome Dr. Ceylan!"Everyone's attention shifted upstairs, their breaths held in anticipation for Dr. Ceylan's arrival.Stanley looked up.
Seeing that Wendy had arrived, Jessica froze for a moment. "Why is she here?"Stanley's gaze shifted to Wendy, watching her intently.As Wendy approached them, Samuel wrapped his arm around her waist. "There you are."Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian quickly gathered around, all eyes on Wendy, who looked as radiant as ever. Edith spoke up first. "Wendy, what are you doing here? Are you here to see Dr. Ceylan too? The doctor is truly a wonder whom everyone seems to adore. Even someone like you, a mere housewife, knows the doctor's name!"Wendy raised an eyebrow. "That's right. I'm here to see Dr. Ceylan."Trish scoffed. "Wendy, even if you do meet Dr. Ceylan, the doctor won't waste any time talking to someone like you."Wendy turned her gaze toward Trish. "And you think Dr. Ceylan will talk to you?""Of course!" Trish replied proudly. "I'm studying medicine, after all.""Wendy, today is a huge day—the real Dr. Ceylan is here in Hovendale," Lilian interjected. "This isn't the t
Wendy wasn't the least bit angry. "Is that so? Well, we'll see about that!"With that, she turned and walked away.Just then, Stanley's tall figure blocked her path. Wendy glared at him. "And you—we'll see about you, too!"Without another word, Wendy walked off.Stanley stood there, momentarily speechless. "Mr. Hawk, Wendy's completely lost her mind! Did you hear how she was talking to you? Has she gone mad?" Edith roared.Stanley watched Wendy's retreating figure, his lips curving into a slight smile. He suddenly felt that Wendy was...different. But what had changed, he couldn't quite put his finger on.Ever since the divorce, Wendy had been evolving, becoming deeper, more unpredictable.-Soon, evening fell, and the banquet began.Everyone put aside their tensions with Wendy for the night, dressing in their finest for the event.The grand hall was filled with prominent figures, wealthy elites, and powerful individuals, all gathered for a glimpse of Dr. Ceylan.Jessica a
Wendy was saying Stanley had met Dr. Ceylan.Stanley hadn't known this. A deep, probing look crossed his face as he studied Wendy. He couldn't shake the feeling that Wendy was hiding something from him.Right now, Wendy's eyes sparkled, glowing with an almost irresistible brightness. Stanley couldn't help but feel a strange stir in his chest as he gazed at her.Just then, Edith and Lilian emerged from the room, and Edith called out, "Wendy."Wendy turned to look at Edith. "Did you need something?"Edith's gaze was serious. "Did you take your father's ashes back and get everything settled?"At the mention of her father, Wendy let out a cold laugh. "Are you really pretending to care about my dad's ashes?""How can you talk like that? Jerry was my first son. I'm his mother!" Edith retorted, a hint of anger creeping into her voice.Wendy scoffed, her voice laced with bitterness. "My dad's gone. Who are you trying to fool with that? He wasn't even your biological son. You adopted him
At that moment, Edith, Lilian, and Trish all arrived, walking into the hospital room with expressions of surprise and excitement.Edith's eyes sparkled. "The real Dr. Ceylan has really arrived in Hovendale?"Stanley nodded. "Yes, Dr. Ceylan will be attending the dinner tonight."Goodness!The Crone family was buzzing with excitement.Trish, looking starstruck, exclaimed, "The real Dr. Ceylan has finally arrived! The doctor is my idol, my goal—the person I want to be. I can't believe I'm finally going to meet Dr. Ceylan!"Edith added, "Dr. Ceylan is so mysterious, always appearing and disappearing. We've been fooled by the fake Dr. Ceylan before, but now, we'll finally see the doctor's true face."Lilian, too, was curious. "Do you think Dr. Ceylan is a man or a woman?"Jessica shook her head. "I don't know either. We'll have the answer tonight."Edith turned to Stanley with a hopeful look. "Mr. Hawk, can we come with you to the dinner tonight? We all want to meet Dr. Ceylan."S
Wendy felt that it was time for her to finally show herself. The Crone family had been responsible for her father's death, and it was time to settle those scores once and for all. And then, there was Stanley. He had always wanted to know who Dr. Ceylan really was. Well, now she was ready to tell him.-At the CEO's office in Hawk Group, Stanley sat behind his desk, reviewing documents. His hand moved swiftly with a pen as he signed his name in the bottom corner of each page with a sharp, decisive stroke.Just then, the door opened, and Zayn entered quietly. "Mr. Hawk, we've received news about Dr. Ceylan."Stanley paused, the pen hovering in midair. His dark eyes shifted up to meet Zayn's. "Go on.""We've just received word from Dr. Ceylan that the doctor will be attending the dinner tonight. The real Dr. Ceylan has arrived in Hovendale and has arranged to meet with you there."Stanley's expression deepened, his gaze growing darker. He had been searching for Dr. Ceylan for wha
"It's getting late. You should go home and get some rest," Wendy said, her voice calm but firm.Stanley glanced at her, with no intention of moving. "You're right. It's late. Goodnight."Wendy froze.Was he staying here tonight?"Mr. Hawk, hasn't Zayn brought the key yet?" Wendy asked, trying to keep her voice steady."He won't bring it until tomorrow. So tonight, I'll be staying here," Stanley replied smoothly."No," Wendy protested, her voice trembling slightly.Stanley turned to her, his gaze sharp. "I'm informing you, not asking for your permission."Wendy opened her mouth to say something else, but before she could, the world around her seemed to darken. Stanley kissed her again, silencing her with a force that left her breathless.-In the hospital room, Jessica had been dialing Stanley's number relentlessly, but there was no answer.She tried Wendy's number next, but still, no one picked up.What were they doing?Thinking back to the images she had seen during the vi